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Ao Phang-Nga – Mu Ko Surin – Mu Ko Similan National Park

Mu Ko Surin is popular for its shallow reef; Mu Ko Similan, for scuba diving; and Ao Phang-nga, for its mangrove ecosystem and karst topography.Located in Phang-nga province, Ao Phang-Nga National Park covers 40,000 hectares; Mu Ko Surin National Park covers approximately 14,125 hectares; while Mu Ko Similan National Park covers an area of 14,000 hectares.

Location

Phang-nga province

Area:

Ao Phang-Nga National Park - 400 sq km; Mu Ko Surin National Park - 141.25 sq km; Mu Ko Similan National Park - 140 sq km

Date declared as an AHP:

18 December 2003, at the Signing of ASEAN Declaration on Heritage Parks

Contact information

Vikran Tuadaw
AHP Manager
E-mail: aophangnga_np@hotmail.com

Unique Flora: Typical tree species include dipterocarps, several species of rattan, and mangrove species such as Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza.

Unique Fauna: The islands support rich avifauna including the white-bellied sea eagle, Brahminy kite, terns, hornbills, drongo, babblers, sunbirds andflower peckers. Mu Ko Surin is just about the only place in Thailand where the beach thick-knee (Esacus giganteus) can be found.This rich marine life includes many species of fish, whales, whale sharks, hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and green sea turtles. Another interesting species located in Similan is the hairy leg mountain land crab, which is found in large numbers.

Habitat Types: Ao Phang-Nga-Mu Ko Surin-Mu Ko Similan National Park encompasses coastal mangrove forests and a series of karst limestone hills flooded by the sea to form 42 sheer islands with high cliffs, rock overhangs and formations caves, coral gardens, and scrub. The Park has the features of typical small island environments with few water reserves. Terrestrial vegetation is mainly beach forest, which steadily becomes tropical forest further inland.

Guestscan visit the various islands in the Park and enjoy the beaches. Popular activities include canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.